My 12-year-old daughter is my guest blogger today. She wrote the following history report this past spring. I added the picture at the end.
King Nebuchadnezzar
by: Ashley Genung
King Nebuchadnezzar is among the most famous rulers of Ancient Mesopotamia. He lived from 630 B.C. to 562 B.C. During his lifetime he made many conquests and created marvelous cities. His most famous architectural achievement was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. In his old grand palace, he created the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Some people say that he created it just to please his beautiful wife Amytis.
King Nebuchadnezzar was the son of Nabopolassar. Nabopolassar was a Chaldien Chief who led a surprising attack against the Assyrians. Then, Nabopolassar declared himself king of Babylon. As crowned prince, Nebuchadnezzar was in charge of the army, but he was greedy so he couldn’t wait for more. He was thrilled to hear the news of his father’s death. He rushed home as soon as possible so that he could start ruling his kingdom. This happened just a few months after he met King Necho of Egypt during battle, and killed him in the year 605 B.C. Four years later, he tried to invade Egypt, but to his embarrassment his attempt failed. Then eight years later in 597 B.C., King Nebuchadnezzar overtook Jerusalem. During the year 568 B.C. he foolishly tried to take over Egypt yet again and he failed. The last years of his life were full of family conflicts, and just two years after his son took the throne, he was overtaken. Today Babylon if full of wonders and secrets left behind like a treasure hunt from the past.
King Nebuchadnezzar also played an important role in the Bible. In the Bible it says that King Nebuchadnezzar became too prideful as he became more powerful. It said that God did not like pride, so he used King Nebuchadnezzar as an example to all of his followers. The Bible says that God forced him to live with the wild animals and open plains. He roamed the endless land for seven years and he was only allowed to eat grass. According to the story, when he figured out that God was the king of the heavens and Earth, he would be allowed to return to his kingdom. In the Bible, eventually, he said “because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to humble.” (Daniel 4:37) King Nebuchadnezzar made conquests, created architectural wonders, and he became a biblical character. Even though he had his ups and downs, I think that he made his mark in history a good one.
Artist’s rendering of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon
I am sure she got a great grade on that! Thanks for sharing.
Ashley, that was wonderful! You're a great writer like your mom.